As we transition out of the solstice and the quiet of the holiday season, many people start to think about what they would like to do differently in the new year. Enter the infamous New Year’s Resolutions.

I was listening to something that Liz Gilbert put out the other day about resolutions that I think is worth repeating.

Liz said, “You are not required to justify your existence on earth through constant improvement. You are not a Fortune 500 company. You don’t have to show increasing profits. You don’t have to earn your right to be here by putting yourself to higher and higher standards. You just get to be here. You belong here. You are loved on Earth.”

This really resonated with me. I am admittedly biased toward welcoming change–I think it’s generally a good thing. But I also know that I tend to push myself pretty hard and to be harsh with myself when I don’t live up to my own expectations…especially when I am trying to change a habit (like getting out a monthly newsletter and posting regularly on social media–both challenging for me).

So while my NY resolutions are written on little sticky notes on the wall above my computer so that I can be reminded of my goals for 2024, I have written them in gentler language than I’ve done in the past. And I have framed them as goals–not deadlines, not must-do’s, and not punishable if not achieved. It feels very different than in years past.

By using this loving language, I’m taking another step in learning to coach myself and speak to myself as I would a beloved niece: kindly, appreciatively, and gently. And I recognize this year that there just might not be time to get them all done before 2025–and that’s OK.

Whether or not you chose to set goals for yourself in 2024, know that you are loved on Earth, just as you are.